Aberdour Castle and Gardens

Get up close to what is possibly Scotland's oldest standing castle. Aberdour Castle was built in the 1100s and went on to serve generations of three noble families – including a Regent of Scotland!

About Aberdour Castle and Gardens

	Aberdour Castle and Gardens , Aberdour KY3 0SL
	01383860519
	Aberdour Castle and Gardens Website
	Follow histenvscot on Twitter
	Facebook information can be found here

Listed Under Attractions - History and Culture / Attractions - Days Out

Aberdour Castle has seen 500 years of noble living, serving as a residence to the powerful Mortimer, Randolph and Douglas families. Today, its ruined structures and roofed buildings show clearly how a medieval castle could be extended and adapted over time.

First built to give its owner a secure place of strength and comfortable lodgings, Aberdour was later enlarged in several stages. It became an extensive, outward-looking residence surrounded by beautiful gardens and pleasure grounds.

The castle tells us a great deal about changes in architectural and domestic fashion as well as about the rising fortunes of its owners.

The Douglas family left their mark, raising the height of the hall-house to make Aberdour into a more typical tower house castle and adding further ranges of buildings. Explore the impressive complex and its delightful walled garden and terraces.

What to see and do:
• Enter part of the hall-house built in the 1100s – perhaps one of the oldest standing stone castles in Scotland, though later extensively adapted

• Play hide and seek among the large and imposing complex of buildings dating from the 1100s to the 1600s

• Gaze up at the painted ceiling in the east range – a precious remnant from the early 1600s

• Imagine life as a medieval noble as you roam around the fragrant walled garden and along the terraces above the Forth

• Stop by St Fillan’s Church (next to Aberdour Castle), a fine example of a Norman church of the 1100s

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Aberdour Castle and Gardens are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Fife? Just hit 'Like' on our What's On Fife Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our @WhatsOnFife Twitter or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

Upcoming Events at Aberdour Castle and Gardens

Sorry, but we have no upcoming events for Aberdour Castle and Gardens. If you know of an event taking place at Aberdour Castle and Gardens or anywhere else in Fife tell us about it and we'll list it on the website, for free!

More History and Culture in Fife

History and Culture

St Andrews Cathedral

St Andrews Cathedral The Pends, St Andrews KY16 9QL

Explore the remains of Scotland’s largest and most magnificent medieval church. Even in its ruinous state, the cathedral remains a prominent landmark highly visible from the sea.

History and Culture

Museum Of Communication

131 High Street , Burntisland KY3 9AA

One of Scotland's only museums of communication, with a regular programme of exhibitions and events.

History and Culture

St Andrews Castle

St Andrews Castle The Scores , St Andrews KY16 9AR

St Andrews Castle was a bishop’s palace, a fortress and a state prison during its 450-year history.

History and Culture

Dunfermline Abbey and Palace

Dunfermline Abbey and Palace St Margarets Street, Dunfermline KY12 7PE

Dunfermline Abbey has a special place in the nation’s heart. Laid to rest here are some of Scotland’s great kings and queens – including Robert the Bruce.

History and Culture

Kellie Castle and Garden

Kellie Castle and Garden Pittenweem, Anstruther KY10 2RE

Kellie Castle in Fife dates from as early as the 14th century and has magnificent plaster ceilings, painted panelling and fine furniture designed by Sir Robert Lorimer.

History and Culture

Merchant House Laws Close Kirkcaldy

339-343 High Street, Kirkcaldy KY1 1JL

Law’s Close is a category A-listed 16th Century Merchant’s House with spectacular period decoration on Kirkcaldy’s High Street.

History and Culture

Hill Of Tarvit Mansion and Gardens

Hill Of Tarvit Mansion and Gardens , Near Cupar KY15 5PB

Hill of Tarvit is a wonderful example of Edwardian stately living and also has the only exclusively hickory golf course in the UK.

History and Culture

Abbot House

Abbot House Maygate, Dunfermline KY12 7NE

Abbot House is a beautiful ‘A’ listed building, dating back to at least the 16th Century, situated within Dunfermline’s Heritage Quarter.

History and Culture

The Scottish Fisheries Museum

St Ayles Harbourhead, Anstruther KY10 3AB

An independent charity-run museum covering the history of the Scottish fishing industryand how it became such an important part of the lives of so many Scots.

History and Culture